Sheffield United: Blades record FA Youth Cup victory

James Shield

Sheffield United have beaten Bradford City 4-2 on penalties in the FA Youth Cup.

Manager Nigel Adkins was among tonight’s crowd as United, who reached the final of the tournament four years ago, advanced to the second round stage.

Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale scored in the shoot-out after a hard-fought contest had finished 0-0 following extra-time before denying City’s Daniel Devine and Sumaili Cissa from the spot.

Earlier Shea Gordon, the United captain, had headed Jordan Hallam’s corner wide as the hosts attempted to wrestle control straight from kick-off before his team mate Stephen Mallon and Alexander McBurnie exchanged chances. Mallon tested George Sykes-Kenworthy’s handling soon after but the City goalkeeper comfortably saved his low drive.

The visitors made a bright start to the second-half with Ramsdale forced to cut out Kwame Boateng’s cross and Jo Cummings preventing Ellis Hudson from punching a hole in United’s rearguard.

Reece Webb-Foster then spurned a glorious opportunity for City when he glanced a header just past the post. United responded in impressive fashion when Brodie Litchfield hit the woodwork twice in as many seconds and Gordon again nodded wide.

Luca Mellor thundered a long-range effort against the crossbar for City while United, with substitute Jorome Slew impressing, saw Litchfield again go close.